Intro:
Aneurysms occur when the walls of blood vessels weaken and start to expand. This happens most often in the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. As aneurysms continue to grow, there is increased risk of rupture or leak, which can often be fatal.
Symptoms:
Most aortic aneurysms don’t cause any pain and are identified by chance or through screening tests. Very large aneurysm can sometimes cause:
- Sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing and or hoarseness
- Sudden and severe abdominal pain, often radiating to the back
- Bowel obstruction (Nausea, vomiting)
- Urinary obstruction (Flank/side pain, bloody urine)
- Leg pain with walking
- Discoloration/pain to the feet and toes
Risk Factors:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Age
- Family history
- Gender
Diagnosis:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be diagnosed with a non-invasive abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms often require diagnosed with CT scan
Treatment:
Depending on the size of the aneurysm, overall shape, and individual risk of surgery (ie your other medical conditions), aneurysms can often be:
- Monitored with risk factor modification:
- Smoking cessation
- Controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
- Repaired through conventional open surgery
- Stented through a minimally invasive procedure
